OMG, Yukari or Yoshie. One has to wonder if "deep" might be so deep you don't know what to do.???? Maybe they want to promote as much of the "huge class" of talent. I might be they are just saying "this is how good we are." So many they don't need to showcase the same over and over. ???JAT

I think Fumie could not make it because she has Skate Canada starting Nov. 2 and the timing of Campbell's seems to contradict with her training schedules. Miki, Mao & Mai all compete at Skate America only 10 days after the Campbells, so it will be a good chance for them to try out their new programs in front of the international judges and American crowd. And now I get the feeling that without the Japanese Champion there, the US Champion Sasha is very likely to be dropping out and replaced.

I think Fumie could not make it because she has Skate Canada starting Nov. 2 and the timing of Campbell's seems to contradict with her training schedules. Miki, Mao & Mai all compete at Skate America only 10 days after the Campbells, so it will be a good chance for them to try out their new programs in front of the international judges and American crowd. And now I get the feeling that without the Japanese Champion there, the US Champion Sasha is very likely to be dropping out and replaced.

That makes sense for them to practice in Connecticut after Campbells for Skate America which is a more important event.

I don't understand any reasoning for Sasha to drop out because Fumie will not be there. I believe Sasha is under contract to be there. The Japanese must have discussed their entrants when agreeing with the format since those three will be at SA.

Campbell's is not a real competition. Anyway KM is the best [competitive] skater in the World as of now, and that could imply she's the best in the US as well.

I'm not so sure i'd say Kimmie is the best competitive skater in the wolrd right now - she's the current wolrd champion but i've not seen any confirmation that Slutskaya has retired from the elligible ranks so i think i'd give that title to Slutskaya over Kimmie right now.

Maybe Irina hasn't announced her retirement from eligible skating, but it is well known in Russian circles (and Irina herself said as much in an interview while on tour with COI) that she does not plan to compete at all this year. So in her absence, Kimmie is indeed the top dog in the world, for this year at least.

And I see no reason for Sasha to drop out of Campbell's, just because Fumie isn't there. Fumie BEAT Sasha at Worlds. I would think Sasha would be relieved not to face her in Connecticut, especially given Sasha's lack of serious training since Worlds.

I'm not so sure i'd say Kimmie is the best competitive skater in the wolrd right now - she's the current wolrd champion but i've not seen any confirmation that Slutskaya has retired from the elligible ranks so i think i'd give that title to Slutskaya over Kimmie right now.

Ant

I think she said that she would take a break. I find it HIGHLY unlikely that she'll return, at least in the "eligible" ranks. I think for comparison purposes it's safe to say Meissner's the best right now (and maybe only Asada or Ando can give her a run for her money).

As the season progresses, things can change of course, but now this is how it looks.

And I see no reason for Sasha to drop out of Campbell's, just because Fumie isn't there.

Yah, but that would mean Sasha has to bring her own tights

That was a great thing to point out about FS being in Canada so shortly before the Soup bowl. I was surprised it didn't come to my mind, but anyway It made me feel much better - I slept well last night.

It is almost as thought the JF has to decide who NOT to send, it is like they have 10 Heisman Trophy winners on their team who all cover the same position (well maybe that isn't the best example, but drift given).